Individual Project: Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

A detailed understanding of the project scope and work to be performed must be simplified for execution, and it is essential to divide the total work into smaller and manageable elements. A tool that is used on virtually all traditional projects is the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). The WBS is normally developed by listing deliverablesmajor deliverables first and then progressively smaller ones until the team feels that every deliverable has been identified. Managers of smaller projects sometimes perform another process concurrent with WBS development: defining activities and milestones. Define activity is a project planning process that identifies and determines specific actions to develop and deliver the project outcomes, such as products, services, or results. Many people find that work activities can be easily defined once the various deliverables are itemized. Developing the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and defining the activities form an example of how two separate work processes are sometimes performed together (especially on small or simple projects) and sometimes separately (especially on large or complex projects). The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) provides a framework of common reference for all project elements, for specific tasks within the project, and ultimately for better schedules and better estimates. It is the basis for all subfor sequent planning of such important functions as schedule, resources, cost, quality, and risk. It also serves as an outline for integrating all these planning elements. The WBS is easily modified and thus can handle the changes that often occur on projects. The impact of these changes is then shown in the schedule, budget, and other control documents. If a problem occurs during project execution, the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is helpful in understanding exactly where and why the problem occurred. This helps to diagnose problems, manage the quality of the project deliverables, and keep all the other facets of the project on schedule while the isolated problem is fixed.

For this assignment, follow the below steps to complete the Microsoft Project Exercise for your individual chosen project::

1. Create/update the Microsoft Project file for your individual project
2. Upload your Microsoft Project file to the "Microsoft Project Exercise: Creating a Work Breakdown Structure" link above